Used Machinery Sales

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� Work with a seller you can trust. Referrals from other used machinery buyers can be useful. When negotiating with the seller, request references and follow up on them. Does the seller have a website? Sites like MachineryValues.com act as a broker or clearinghouse, and include listings on machines from nearly 500 dealers. Many websites such can make your search easier by offering searches by brand, by type of machine, by application or by model.

� Comparison shop. Look at used machinery deals from several different sellers, consider features and prices, and think about the amount and quality of information and follow up you receive from the different sellers. The sellers websites and contact information should be helpful for this. Approach this as you would any other purchase, whether it is for a car, a lawn mower or a home theater system.

� Ask about the sellers professional affiliations, certification and accreditation. A membership in the Machinery Dealers National Association is an important asset for a dealer, as the MDNA has a code of ethics that all its members ...
... must adhere to.

� Consider your needs when shopping for the machine. Think down the road about your companys production goals. Will this particular machine meet your future needs? Can it be updated or upgraded when needed? Will spare parts or service become an issue with it?

� Check out the machines specs closely. You would not buy a used car without a test drive, would you? If at all possible, inspect the machine in operation and under power. Find out what, if any, repairs are needed and negotiate with the dealer if necessary.

� Service after the sale. Some sellers will offer a return privilege on used machinery, others may offer limited warranty coverage. Obviously a seller that offers warranty, maintenance or technical consultation after the sale is going to have an advantage over those who do not.

� Does the seller ship? Many sellers will have partnerships or relationships worked out with trucking companies, machine riggers and other logistics firms to help with delivery and setup. Remember that shipping and setup costs can run thousands of dollars above and beyond your up-front price.

� Get it in writing. As you would with any major purchase, have the terms, prices, warranty and everything else pertaining to the purchase down in writing and agreed to by both parties.